Tent pole apparatus with pin member and pole cap

ABSTRACT

A tent pole apparatus includes a tent pole member having a first, distal end spaced from a second, proximal end along a longitudinal axis thereof. A pin member is disposed at the distal end of the tent pole member. A proximal end of the pin member is at least partially inserted into a tent pole member cavity defined by a portion of the distal end of the tent pole member. A pole cap is affixed to a portion of the distal end of the tent pole member by each of an adhesive and welding. A portion of the pin member is welded to a portion of the pole cap.

BACKGROUND

This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/917,256, filed Dec. 17, 2013.

The present disclosure relates generally to tent poles and, more particularly, to a tent pole with an improved connection with a pin member and a component that prevents splintering of the tent pole.

Wooden tent poles have been commonly used to uphold and support a tent (e.g., a tarp, a cloth, and the like) to allow people and objects to stand or sit under the tent. A top of the tent pole usually includes a pin, such as a metal pin, that is received in or engages a corresponding recess or aperture on the tent pole. The tent pole engages and lifts up the tent, thereby creating an area under the tent. Such tents are used for circuses, picnics, festivals, parties, weddings, receptions, and other types of gatherings.

Typically, the aperture is formed in the tent pole and the pin is inserted therein. A cap has a central opening dimensioned to receive the pin. However, the pin can loosen inside the wooden pole after many uses. Additionally, the pin is not attached to the cap. As a result, the pin can loosen within the pole and, eventually, fall out of the tent pole.

Still another issue with prior arrangements is that a bottom of the pole can splinter over time as the pole is dragged during installation and striking of the tent.

Accordingly, a need exists to address, for example, the pin from falling out of the top of the tent pole and increasing a useful life of the tent pole. In addition, another need exists to prevent, for example, damage to the bottom of the tent pole during installation thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed to tent poles and, more particularly, to a tent pole with an improved connection with a pin member and/or a component that prevents wear and/or splintering of the tent pole.

In one embodiment, a tent pole apparatus includes a tent pole or a tent pole member that has a first or distal end spaced from a second or proximal end along a longitudinal axis thereof. A pin member is disposed at the distal end of the tent pole member. A first or proximal end of the pin member is at least partially inserted into a tent pole member cavity formed in a portion of the distal end of the tent pole member. A pole cap is affixed to a portion of the distal end of the tent pole member such as being received over the distal end of the tent pole member. A portion of the pin member is fused or welded to a portion of the pole cap.

A method of forming a tent pole apparatus is disclosed. The method includes providing a tent pole member that has a first or distal end spaced from a second or proximal end along a longitudinal axis thereof. A tent pole member cavity is formed at the distal end of the tent pole member. A pin member and a pole cap are provided. The pin member is joined or welded to a portion of the pole cap such that a first or distal end of the pin member extends distally from the pole cap and a second or proximal end of the pin member extends proximally from the pole cap. The proximal end of the pin member is inserted into the tent pole member cavity. The pole cap is affixed to the distal end of the tent pole member by at least one of an adhesive and fasteners.

A primary benefit of the present disclosure is improved strength or reinforcement of the tent pole apparatus.

Another advantage resides in the increased durability or longevity of the tent pole apparatus.

Yet another feature is the reduced prospect that the pin member loosens from the tent pole apparatus.

Still another aspect relates to reduced wear or splintering of the bottom of the tent pole apparatus associated with repeated use.

Still other features and benefits of the present disclosure will become apparent from reading and understanding the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is now made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tent pole apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first component of the tent pole apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second component of the tent pole apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third component of the tent pole apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an assembled view of the second component of FIG. 3 with the third component of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an partially-assembled view of the tent pole apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth component of the tent pole apparatus of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 is an exemplary flowchart of a method for producing a tent pole apparatus according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

Like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views, which are not necessarily to scale unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-8 show a novel structure and method of forming a tent pole or a tent pole apparatus 10. Conventional tent poles are manufactured to support the weight of a heavy tent to create a space thereunder for people and/or objects. However, conventional tent pole apparatuses do not include a pin member that is welded to a cap. As a result, the pin member can undesirably become loose and/or dislodged from the tent pole. Advantageously, the tent pole apparatus 10 includes a pin member 14 that is joined (e.g., fused or welded) to a pole cap 16 and inserted into a cavity in a tent pole member 12 with an adhesive. In addition, conventional tent poles do not include a component secured to a bottom of the tent pole to prevent undue wear and/or splintering thereof. Advantageously, the tent pole apparatus 10 includes a base plate 18 affixed to a bottom of the tent pole member 12.

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of the tent pole apparatus 10 constructed in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The tent pole apparatus 10 includes the tent pole member 12, the pin member 14, the pole cap 16, and the base plate 18. More detailed descriptions of these individual components are provided below. Advantageously, the pin member 14 is welded to the pole cap 16 and the base plate 18 is secured to the tent pole member 12, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 2 shows an example embodiment of the tent pole member 12. The tent pole member 10 is made from any desired type of wood (e.g., yellow pine), although any other desired material may be used, such as aluminum, steel, plastic, and the like. As shown in FIG. 2, the tent pole member 12 has a generally octagonal cross-sectional shape; although other shapes are possible (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, square, and the like), and the particular cross-sectional configuration should not be deemed limiting. The tent pole member 12 has an elongated, rigid configuration to support the weight of the tent (not shown) and may come in a variety of lengths (heights), such as nineteen, twenty-one, twenty-two, and twenty five foot center poles, or eight foot side poles, used in connection with a tent such as a sailcloth tent assembly. Again, however, the particular type of tent assembly may vary.

The tent pole member 12 has a first or distal end 20 spaced from a second or proximal end 22 thereof. The distal end 20 and the proximal end 22 are spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis A of the tent pole member 12. In one example, the distal end 20 and/or the proximal end 22 can have the same cross-sectional area as the remainder of the tent pole member 12. In another example, the distal end 20 and/or the proximal end 22 can include a lip portion (not shown) to accommodate the pole cap 16 and/or the bottom plate 18, respectively. In a further example, the distal end 20 and/or the proximal end 22 can have a slightly reduced cross-sectional area relative to the remainder of the tent pole member 12 to accommodate the pole cap 16 and/or the bottom plate 18, respectively, as described in more detail below.

In one example, a tent pole member recess or cavity 24 is formed in the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. Stated another way, the tent pole member cavity 24 is defined by a portion of the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. The tent pole member cavity 24 can be formed by any method known in the art (e.g., drilling, boring, and the like). The tent pole member cavity 24 is sized and dimensioned to closely receive at least a portion of the pin member 14, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 3 shows an example embodiment of the pin member 14. In one example, the pin member 14 is made from steel, although any other material may be used, such as aluminum, wood, reinforced plastic, etc., as long as the selected material provides the desired strength and durability. As shown in FIG. 3, the pin member 14 has a generally cylindrical shape and a generally circular cross-sectional shape; although other shapes are possible (e.g., octagonal, triangular, rectangular, square, and the like). The pin member 14 i received in or engaged within the aperture of the tent (not shown) and to partially support the weight of the tent.

The pin member 14 has a first or distal end 26 spaced from a second or proximal end 28 thereof. The distal end 26 and the proximal end 28 are spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis A′ of the pin member 14. In one example, the distal end 26 and/or the proximal end 28 can have the same cross-sectional area as the remainder of the pin member 14. In another example, the distal end 26 and/or the proximal end 28 can include a lip portion (not shown) for engagement with the aperture of the tent and/or the tent pole member cavity 24, respectively. In a further example, the distal end 26 and/or the proximal end 28 can have a reduced cross-sectional area (not shown), such as a tapered portion (not shown) or a tip portion, for engagement with the aperture of the tent and/or the tent pole member cavity 24, respectively, as described in more detail below.

FIG. 4 shows an example embodiment of the pole cap 16. In one example, the pole cap 16 is made from steel, although any other material may be used, such as aluminum, wood, reinforced plastic, etc. Again, the selected material of construction provides the desired strength and durability. As shown in FIG. 4, the pole cap 16 has a generally octagonal cross-sectional shape; although other shapes are possible (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, square, and the like). The pole cap 14 has a rigid configuration for engagement with the pin member 14 and the tent pole member 12. The pole cap 16 is configured for engagement with at least a portion of the tent pole member 12 and at least a portion of the pin member 14, as described in more detail below.

The pole cap 16 has a first or distal end 30 spaced from a second or proximal end 32 thereof. The distal end 30 and the proximal end 32 are spaced from each other along a longitudinal axis A″ of the pole cap 16. In some instances, the pole cap 16 includes a pole cap plate 34 and a plurality of sidewalls 36 extending from a portion thereof and preferably each sidewall(s) extending in the same direction from the pole cap plate 34. The pole cap plate 34 includes a top surface 38 and a bottom surface 40. The pole cap plate 34 has a shape that generally matches the cross-sectional shape of the remainder of the pole cap 16 (e.g., octagonal). The pole cap plate 34 can be made of the same material (e.g., steel) as the remainder of the pole cap 16, although other materials may be used, as long as the pole cap 16 and the pin member 14 can be securely joined (e.g., welded). In some examples, the pole cap plate 34 can include an aperture (not shown) for receiving at least a portion of the pin member 14. The aperture extends from the top surface 38 to the bottom surface 40. The pole cap plate 34 is configured for engagement with the pin member 14, as described in more detail below.

In one example, the sidewalls 36 of the pole cap 16 extend downward from edges of the top surface 38 of the pole cap 16. In another example, the sidewalls 36 extend downward from edges of the bottom surface 40 of the pole cap 16. The sidewalls 36 have generally rectangular shapes; although other shapes are possible. The sidewalls 36 can be made of the same material (e.g., steel) as the remainder of the pole cap 16, although other materials may be used. In one example, the sidewalls 36 and the bottom surface 40 of the pole cap plate 34 define a pole cap cavity 42. The pole cap cavity 42 has a cross-sectional shape that matches the cross-sectional shape of the pole cap 16 (e.g., octagonal). The pole cap cavity 42 is sized and dimensioned for a close-fitting, friction-fit over the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12, as described in more detail below.

As shown in FIG. 5, the pin member 14 is engaged with a portion of the pole cap 16. Advantageously, a portion of the pin member 14 is welded to a portion of the pole cap 16 to strengthen a connection therebetween. In one example, the pin member 14 is inserted into the aperture (not shown), when present, in the pole cap plate 34. An engagement region 44 between the pin member 14 and the pole cap plate 34 is welded to secure the pin member 14 to the pole cap 16. As a result, the proximal end 28 of the pin member 14 is enclosed within the pole cap cavity 42, and the distal end 26 of the pin member 14 is exposed to an ambient environment. In another example, the pin member 14 extends axially outward therefrom.

It will be appreciated that the portion of the pin member 14 that is enclosed within the pole cap cavity 42 can be defined as the proximal end 28 of the pin member 14, and the portion of the pin member 14 that is not enclosed within the pole cap cavity 42 can be defined as the distal end 26 of the pin member 14. In some instances, approximately a first half of the pin member 14 (i.e., the proximal end 28) is enclosed within the pole cap cavity 42 and approximately a second half of the pin member 14 (i.e., the distal end 26) is exposed to the ambient environment. Of course, other ratios are permitted and contemplated.

FIG. 6 shows that, after the pin member 14 is welded to the pole cap 16, the pole cap 16 is affixed to a portion of the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. As a result, the pin member 14 is disposed at the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. To affix the pole cap 16 to the tent pole member 12, the pole cap 16 is maneuvered (i.e., slid) over the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 such that the pole cap cavity 42 receives a portion of the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. The pole cap cavity 42 is preferably sized and dimensioned for a friction-fit over the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. In other words, the pole cap cavity 42 has an area substantially equal to an area of the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. The pole cap 34 is maneuvered until the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 contacts the bottom surface 40 of the pole cap plate 34.

As the pole cap 16 is positioned on the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12, the proximal end 28 of the pin member 14 is at least partially inserted into the tent pole member cavity 24. It will be appreciated that the tent pole member cavity 24 includes a cross-sectional shape that receives, and preferably complements, the cross-sectional shape of the proximal end 28 of the pin member 14. The proximal end 28 of the pin member 14 is completely received by the tent pole member cavity 24 such that the proximal end 28 is completely embedded therewithin. An adhesive 44 (shown in FIG. 6 as cross-hatching) can be disposed within the tent pole member cavity 24 to further secure the pin member 14 to the tent pole member 12. Advantageously, this arrangement of the tent pole member 12 and the pin member 14 reinforces the pin member and improves the durability and longevity of the useful life of the pin member 14.

In one example, when the pin member has a total length of approximately 20 inches, approximately 9 inches of the pin member 14 (i.e., the proximal end 28) is embedded within the tent pole member cavity 24 and approximately 11 inches of the pin member 14 (i.e., the distal end 26) is exposed when the pole cap 16 is affixed to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. In another example, when the pin member has a total length of approximately 9 inches, approximately 5 inches of the pin member 14 (i.e., the proximal end 28) is embedded within the tent pole member cavity 24 and approximately 4 inches of the pin member 14 (i.e., the distal end 26) is exposed when the pole cap 16 is affixed to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. In a further example, the pin member 14 can have a diameter of ⅝ inches. Of course, one skilled in the art will recognize that these dimensions are merely exemplary and should not be deemed to specifically limit the present disclosure.

Once the pin member 14 is secured within the tent pole member cavity 24, the pole cap 16 is secured to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12. In one example, the pole cap 16 is secured to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 by an adhesive 46 (e.g., glue, welding, and the like) (shown in FIG. 6 as a black line for illustrative purposes). In another example, the pole cap 16 is secured to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 by one or more fasteners 48 (e.g., screws, nails, staples, and the like). In a further example, the pole cap 16 is secured to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 by each of the adhesive 46 and the fasteners 48.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, the tent pole apparatus 10 can include the base plate 18. The base plate 18 is configured for engagement with the proximal end 22 of the tent pole member 12. The base plate 18 is made from steel in a preferred embodiment, although any other durable material may be used. The base plate 18 has a generally octagonal shape; although other shapes are possible (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, square, and the like). It will be appreciated that the base plate 18 can have a shape that substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the tent pole member 12.

The base plate 18 is secured to the proximal end 22 of the tent pole member 12. Advantageously, the base plate 18 provides a surface to prevent engagement (e.g., dragging or rubbing) of the tent pole member 12 directly with the ground, thereby limiting wear and/or preventing splintering of the tent pole member during assembly and disassembly of the tent pole apparatus 10. In one example, the base plate 18 is secured to the proximal end 22 of the tent pole member 12 by an adhesive 50 (e.g., glue, welding, and the like) (shown in FIG. 6 as a black line for illustrative purposes). In another example, the base plate 18 is secured to the proximal end 22 of the tent pole member 12 by one or more fasteners 52 (e.g., screws, nails, staples, and the like). In a further example, the base plate 18 is secured to the proximal end 22 of the tent pole member 12 by each of the adhesive 50 and the fasteners 52.

Once assembled, the tent pole apparatus 10 has a width (e.g., diameter) of approximately 5.5 inches; however, the tent pole apparatus 10 can have any dimension suitable for supporting the tent. The tent pole apparatus 10 can have any length suitable for supporting the tent. For example, the tent pole apparatus 10 can have a total length of approximately 8 feet, approximately 19 feet, approximately 21 feet, approximately 22 feet, and approximately 25 feet, among other possible lengths. A compression load of the tent pole apparatus 10 is dependent on the length thereof and is relative to, for example, the cross-sectional area of the tent pole apparatus 10, amongst other factors. For example, the tent pole apparatus 10 can have: (1) a compression load of approximately 9,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 25 feet; (2) a compression load of approximately 11,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 24 feet with a cross-section of 6.50 inches by 6.50 inches; (3) a compression load of approximately 7,500 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 22 feet; (4) a compression load of approximately 4,600 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 21 feet; (5) a compression load of approximately 7,500 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 19 feet; and (6) a compression load of approximately 3,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 8 feet. Again, these values are provided for exemplary purposes and sake of completeness only, and should not be deemed to limit the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 100 of forming the tent pole apparatus 10. The method 100 includes the steps of: providing a tent pole member 12 having a distal end 20 spaced from a proximal end 22 along a longitudinal axis A thereof (Step 102); forming a tent pole member cavity 24 at the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 (Step 104); providing a pin member 14 and a pole cap 16 (Step 106); welding the pin member 14 to a portion of the pole cap 16 such that a distal portion 26 of the pin member 14 extends distally from the pole cap 16 and a proximal portion 28 of the pin member 14 extends proximally from the pole cap 16 (Step 108); inserting the proximal end 28 of the pin member 14 into the tent pole member cavity 24 (Step 110); affixing the pole cap 16 to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 by at least one of an adhesive 46 and fasteners 48 (Step 112); and securing a base plate 18 to the proximal end 22 of the tent pole member 12 by at least one of an adhesive 52 and one or more fasteners 54 (Step 114). It will be appreciated from the following discussion that these steps need not necessarily occur in this stated order or sequence, and that some steps may be completed in advance of final assembly.

At Step 102, the tent pole member 12 shown in FIG. 2 and described above is provided. For example, the tent pole member 12 includes a distal end 20 longitudinally spaced from a proximal end 22 thereof.

At Step 104, the tent pole member cavity 24 is formed in a portion of the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 by any known method (e.g., drilling, boring, and the like).

At Step 106, the pin member 14 and the pole cap 16 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and described above are provided. For example, the pole cap 16 is provided with the pole cap plate 34 with the plurality of sidewalls 36 extending therefrom to form the pole cap cavity 42. The pole cap cavity 42 is sized and dimensioned for a friction-fit over the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12.

At Step 108, the pin member 14 is welded to a portion of the pole cap 16 such that a distal portion 26 of the pin member 14 extends distally from the pole cap 16 and a proximal portion 28 of the pin member 14 extends proximally from the pole cap 16. In one example, the pin member 14 is inserted into the aperture (not shown), when present, in the pole cap plate 34. The engagement region 44 described above between the pin member 14 and the pole cap plate 34 is welded to secure the pin member 14 with the pole cap 16. As a result, the proximal end 28 of the pin member 14 is enclosed within the pole cap cavity 42, and the distal end 26 of the pin member 14 is exposed and extends axially outward from the tent pole member 12 when assembled thereto. As noted above, the pin member 14 can be welded to the pole cap 16 in advance of sliding the assembled pole cap 16 or the tent pole member 12.

At Step 110, the proximal end 28 of the pin member 14 is inserted into the tent pole member cavity 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, approximately half of the pin member 14 (i.e., the proximal end 28) is embedded within the tent pole member cavity 24. As a result, approximately half of the pin member is exposed to an ambient environment. In one example, the adhesive 44 described above is disposed within the tent pole member cavity 24 to secure the pin member 16 therewithin.

At Step 112, the pole cap 16 is affixed to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 by at least one of an adhesive 46 and one or more fasteners 48. The pole cap 16 is slid over the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 so that the distal end 20 is received by the pole cap cavity 42. The pole cap 16 is affixed to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12 by each of the adhesive 46 and the one or more fasteners 48. Once the pole cap 16 is affixed to the distal end 20 of the tent pole member 12, approximately a first half of the pin member 14 (i.e., the distal end 26) is exposed while approximately a second half of the pin member 14 (i.e., the proximal end 28) is embedded within the tent pole member cavity 24.

At Step 114, a base plate 18 described above and shown in FIG. 7 is secured to the proximal end 22 of the tent pole member 12 by at least one of an adhesive 50 and one or more fasteners 52.

Once the tent pole apparatus 10 is assembled, the tent pole apparatus 10 includes the dimensions and compression loads described above. It will be appreciated that Steps 102-114 of the method 100 do not have to be performed in the order described above. For example, Step 114 may be performed before Steps 106-110. In another example, Step 110 may be performed before Step 108.

This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the description, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal description of the disclosure, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal description of the disclosure. It is also noted that each feature of each specific embodiment disclosed herein is not considered essential to that specific embodiment, and that features disclosed in one embodiment can be added or substituted with another embodiment. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A tent pole apparatus, comprising: a tent pole member having a first end spaced from a second end along a longitudinal axis thereof; a pin member disposed at the first end of the tent pole member, a first end of the pin member being at least partially received into a tent pole member cavity defined by a portion of the first end of the tent pole member; and a pole cap affixed to the tent pole member, a portion of the pin member being welded to a portion of the pole cap.
 2. The tent pole apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pole cap is affixed to the first end of the tent pole member by each of an adhesive and one or more fasteners.
 3. The tent pole apparatus of claim 1, further including an adhesive disposed within the tent pole member cavity to secure the pin member therewithin.
 4. The tent pole apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pole cap includes a pole cap plate with a plurality of sidewalls extending therefrom to form a pole cap cavity, the pole cap cavity being sized and dimensioned for a friction-fit over the first end of the tent pole member.
 5. The tent pole apparatus of claim 4, wherein a distal end of the pin member is welded to the pole cap plate.
 6. The tent pole apparatus of claim 5, wherein approximately half of the pin member is embedded within the tent pole member cavity and approximately half of the pin member is exposed when the pole cap is affixed to the first end of the tent pole member.
 7. The tent pole apparatus of claim 1, further including a base plate secured to the second end of the tent pole member by at least one of an adhesive and one or more fasteners.
 8. The tent pole apparatus of claim 7, wherein the pin member, the pole cap, and the base plate are each made from steel, and the tent pole member is made from wood.
 9. The tent pole apparatus of claim 1, having a width of approximately 5.5 inches.
 10. The tent pole apparatus of claim 1, having one of: a compression load of approximately 9,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 25 feet; a compression load of approximately 11,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 24 feet; a compression load of approximately 7,500 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 22 feet; a compression load of approximately 4,600 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 21 feet; a compression load of approximately 7,500 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 19 feet; and a compression load of approximately 3,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 8 feet.
 11. A method of forming a tent pole apparatus, the method comprising: providing a tent pole member having a first end spaced from a second end along a longitudinal axis thereof; forming a tent pole member cavity at the first end of the tent pole member; providing a pin member and a pole cap; welding the pin member to a portion of the pole cap such that a first end of the pin member extends distally from the pole cap and a second end of the pin member extends proximally from the pole cap; inserting the second end of the pin member into the tent pole member cavity; and affixing the pole cap to the first end of the tent pole member by at least one of an adhesive and fasteners.
 12. The method of claim 11, further including affixing the pole cap to the first end of the tent pole member by each of an adhesive and one or more fasteners.
 13. The method of claim 11, further including disposing an adhesive within the tent pole member cavity to secure the pin member therewithin.
 14. The method of claim 11, further including providing the pole cap with pole cap plate with a plurality of sidewalls extending therefrom to form a pole cap cavity, the pole cap cavity being sized and dimensioned for a friction-fit over the first end of the tent pole member.
 15. The method of claim 14, further including welding the first end of the pin member to the pole cap plate.
 16. The method of claim 11, further including: embedding approximately half of the pin member within the tent pole member cavity; and exposing approximately half of the pin member when the pole cap is affixed to the first end of the tent pole member.
 17. The method of claim 11, further including securing a base plate to the second end of the tent pole member by at least one of an adhesive and one or more fasteners.
 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the tent pole apparatus has one of: a compression load of approximately 9,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 25 feet; a compression load of approximately 11,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 24 feet; a compression load of approximately 7,500 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 22 feet; a compression load of approximately 4,600 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 21 feet; a compression load of approximately 7,500 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 19 feet; and a compression load of approximately 3,000 pounds when the tent pole apparatus has a total length of approximately 8 feet. 